“The Supreme Court has rejected Sen. Bob Menendez’s (D-NJ) attempt to throw out the bribery and corruption charges against him, setting the stage for a trial for the New Jersey Democrat this fall,” Politico reports.

“With Monday’s announcement, Menendez can no longer block the proceedings against him from moving forward, a major setback for his efforts to avoid criminal trial.”

New York Times: “In grappling with his current crisis, Mr. Menendez has drawn on a set of tactics that have long made him an imposing power broker. He embodies a certain brand of New Jersey politics, winning renown among Democrats for his skill at forging electoral coalitions, and for the ironhanded methods he has used to advance his allies and maintain order in a politically fractious state.”

“The senator’s pugnacious tone has come as little surprise to local allies, some of whom have heard from him privately as Mr. Menendez worked to shore up support. He and his advisers pressed for statements of solidarity from state Democrats, even before the specific charges against Mr. Menendez were released, in order to demonstrate the senator’s broad backing.”

“Mr. Menendez has rejected suggestions that he announce now, as he fights the criminal case, that he will not run for re-election in 2018.”

Huffington Post: Menendez indictment reads like indictment of Citizens United ruling